Shortly after being freed from cruel bondage in slavery, the Israelites begin to complain.  Instead of turning to the God who “convinced” Pharaoh to let them go, who brought them safely through the sea, and who destroyed Pharoah’s army in that same sea. they chose to grumble.  At first glance,they appear ungrateful.

Yet for how many of us does a basic need that is unmet become what we quickly whine about?  Ever heard “I’m hungry’ whined from a comfy couch while playing the latest video game on an almost brand-new gaming console?  Ever heard something along the lines of “That’s not fair!” when a coworker gets a raise from the person who just bought a new car?  It is even a greater cause to complain when the person is truly in need.  At least the Israelites where actually wandering in a desert and had next to no provisions.  Today, when one is struggling to find shelter and a bit of food to eat, then seeing anything else is often a challenge.

This is why Jesus calls us to care for the needy and to be generous with what we have been blessed with.  God’s blessings are not intended for our hording.  But to be able to share the good news with someone, we must meet a person’s basic needs first.  It is the old adage – people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.  We must be like Jesus and meet them where they are at.  We must see them as they are and meet their immediate needs first.  Then the Holy Spirit will guide us from there!

Scripture reference: Exodus 15: 2-3